The RPSCA is no longer involved in the care of animals at a shelter in County Durham.

Paula Campbell, who ran the Rainbow Ark sanctuary in Willington, was ejected following a lengthy mortgage dispute.

A guinea pig was put down yesterday by a vet.

The RSPCA say a cat and two ponies were also removed on vet's advice and are being cared for by the charity.

The RSPCA has had officers at this location since Wednesday evening assisting with the care, feeding, watering and cleaning out of the animals there to ensure their welfare but we have now left the property.We became involved after receiving a call from the bailiffs company late that day, asking for our help, and knew nothing about this situation at all before then.

We were not asked for any assistance with these animals prior to the eviction taking place. Had we known about this situation it might have been possible for us to help before it came to this.

– Statement from RSPCA.

The RSPCA removed other animals, included a terrapin, who are reliant on electricity for their welfare, but stressed the animals left at the scene are not the responsibility of the charity.

We are not responsible for these or any of the animals at the scene - they are the responsibility of the bailiffs company currently, and are owned by Ms Campbell.

Vets attended to check over all of the animals on Thursday to ensure that any requiring treatment received it, and we are satisfied with the conditions we have left those animals at the scene in.

Wallace told the RSPCA she had "around 140 snakes" including boas, pythons and corn snakes.

At York Magistrates Court she pleaded guilty to two cruelty charges after she caused unnecessary suffering to her border collie Alf by failing to provide him with adequate veterinary care when he fell ill.

She also admitted seven offences of failing to ensure the welfare of snakes and reptiles. A further 10 animal cruelty charges initially brought by the RSPCA were dropped and dismissed by magistrates.